Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Best Yet - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray J - May 20 - 9:13 pm

  The Grand Cherokee(V8) is a top shelf 4x4. I have been driving Blazers for the past 8 years and the Jeep Grand is a much more capable vehicle. If you are looking for gas milage, buy a 4cyl. econo car. If you want a quick, real 4x4, get a Jeep Grand (V8).

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  Problematic Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Laura - May 19 - 2:36 am

  After a year of having my GC, I had one problem after the next. In the last year, the window regulator has had to be replaced on the passenger and driver side. Also, the check engine light has gone on at least 6 times, and all repairs were very costly and usually required new parts. Finally, my transmission randomly gave out after exiting the highway one day. Ive had my check engine light go on twice in one week for completely separate problems. This was my first Jeep and will most certainly be my last due to the reliability issues. The good things about this car are overshadowed by all the repairs-at the rate Im spending money on it I could have bought an 07 instead of going used!

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  ........ - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vladimir lokshin - May 18 - 11:06 pm

  Good Car

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  Satisfied After 20 Months - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fizzle1979 - May 18 - 10:06 pm

  I purchased this used in June 05 with 59,500 miles. The ONLY problem I have had with this Jeep is that Ive replaced the battery twice in 20 months. I drive with my headlights on "auto" and Im told this drains the battery. Other than that, Im extremely happy with it. The seats are VERY comfortable. I usually drive 80 on the highway and gas mileage is around 17 mpg but I also have the 4.7 L engine and I put larger tires on it. Ive gone mudding in this Jeep and taken it on the beach and still no problems. All electronics still work and no brake problems. I change the oil every 3K miles, however I am not sure what the previous owners did.

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  Happy in Denver! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By 2 Door Sahara - May 15 - 7:50 am

  Have had my 2 door silver Sahara since July and still love it! This is my second Wrangler. The ride has been improved greatly and does well in the snow when in four wheel. Love the freedom hardtop (no leaks). Power windows and locks are a nice change. This is my only vehicle and I love driving it (especially in the mountains)! Get lots of compliments!

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  Great Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By B1Mario - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV, no trail unaccessable, hauls and drives great. Never had a problem mechanically or comfort wise. Great car overall.

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep-Satisfied - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive been happy with my Laredo. Good looks in interior and exterior. Fuel economy isnt so good, but I was used to driving an Accord. Drivers seat could be a little more comfortable for the long drive. Only real complaint is interior noise is high.

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  Over 205000 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bricker - May 13 - 9:33 am

  We have used our Grand Cherokee as our main family transportation for almost seven years now. Bought it used with 69000 from a private owner. We use the 4wd regularly on our mini-farm and camping trips. Weve never had any 4wd issues. Rebuilt the trans. for the first time at 190000. Other work Ive done other than the regular maint. is a water pump, brake booster, trans. speed sensor. Weve been very pleased with the 4.0 in other Jeeps we had too. Its a big inline 6 so do not expect great mileage, but its got reliability and performance. The key to Jeeps from my experience (this is my 3rd) is keeping up with the routine maint. especially oil/fluid changes. Have fun, get outdoors!

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  My New Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By doober - May 11 - 10:00 am

  The SE model with 2.4L I-4 engine is underpowered and uses a lot of gas for an I-4. The engine seems rev happy for an offroad engine. Gearing is awesome in the 5 speed transmission, although 3rd gear could stand to be a bit lower and closer to 2nds ratio. Highway sppeds in excess of 65mph are hard to reach even on a flat surface during a calm dry day. Design, both interior and exterior, is classic bare basics Jeep. Overall a great car if you are into Jeeps.

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  Always wanted 1, Glad held out for this - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By MicheleS - May 11 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased my Jeep everyone worried I would suffer from buyers remorse since it was such a big change from my Honda Civic EX 4 door. I love this car and cant wait to go driving in it. It handles much better then any Jeep I have ever driven and I still smile when I get behind the wheel. I wouldnt trade it in for anything.